Ask Dr. Diane: My Dog Barks at the Door!

April 7, 2011 By Paris Permenter

Dear Dr. Diane, I have a 4-year-old, long-haired Chihuahua named Zen who has the lovely annoying habit of barking at the door every time I decide to sit down and have a meal at my couch. If I take the time to stand up and simply give him a hand signal to walk away from the door or to say the command “enough,” he does stop and lays down. But if I don’t physically get up to carry out the command each time he will continue to bark. I don’t know what to do to break this pattern but it’s getting worse. He is now doing it when I have guests over to watch a movie or when I go into my room to get ready for work. What can I do to break this habit once and for all?

If I were you, I would “crate” Zen while I am eating or keep him in a separate room of the house until you are finished enjoying your meal. He must learn that he is not entitled to share your meal with you. Somewhere along the road of your relationship, it is my guess that you have shared some of your meals with him – only a guess! He must be disciplined and re-educated so that he doesn’t get away with this behavior – and I truly suggest you keep him in a separate room/crate, etc. while you are eating so he is not tempted to manipulate or upset you.

Do you have a question for Dr. Diane? We’re proud to say she provides expert tips here on DogTipper so please send in your questions on our Ask Dr. Diane contact form! Dr. Pomerance is an animal behavior specialist and an expert on topics such as deciding which puppy is best for your family, how to pick out a rescue, and on healing from the loss of a pet.

Paris Permenter is the founder and co-publisher of LT Media Group LLC. Along with her husband, John Bigley, she edits DogTipper.com, CatTipper.com, and has authored over 30 books on pets and travel.

http://knowyourdog.wordpress.com/ Harley Harrington

Excessive Barking is sometimes very annoying and it can frustrate most dog owners. My method of gaining control over excessive barking is to teach my dogs when and where I want them to bark. I use food lure and positive reinforcement to teach my dog’s what I want from them.